‘Make breakfast non-negotiable for kids’, say dietitians

THE Dietitians Association of Australia is calling on Clarence Valley parents to make eating breakfast 'non-negotiable' for school-aged children after recent research highlighted the huge pitfalls for students who start school hungry.

The research, released by Foodbank, found teachers noticed most students who skipped breakfast had low energy levels and difficulty concentrating.

It also showed three children in every classroom were arriving at school hungry or without breakfast, and for many of these students, this happened more than three times a week.

These alarming figures are something nutrition experts do not find surprising.

Kate Di Prima, Spokesperson for the Dietitians Association of Australia, said skipping breakfast will make children feel 'fuzzy' in the head and lethargic because their brains are being starved of energy.

"The brain requires energy in the form of glucose to function at its best throughout the day. Nutritious breakfast foods such as grainy bread, breakfast cereals, fruit and milk provide healthy sources of glucose," she said.

"A healthy breakfast gives kids the right fuel to start the day, helping them to fully participate in class and achieve the best grades possible."

In fact, research shows eating breakfast to be linked with an improvement in literacy and numeracy skills in school children, potentially impacting their long-term employment options.

"Breakfast should not be optional for school children. To put it simply, their growth and development depends on getting enough of the right nutrients - and without breakfast, they will really struggle to get their daily quota," Ms Di Prima said.

She said the best breakfast for growing children is one that is high in fibre, contains low Glycaemic Index options, and includes protein.

Top options for a brain-boosting breakfast

Wholegrain cereal with reduced-fat milk, topped with fresh fruit

Wholegrain toast (or if time is tight, a sandwich made the night before) with reduced-fat cheese, avocado and tomato, and a piece of fruit

Wholemeal muffin or crumpet with baked beans and a low-fat yoghurt

Poached or scrambled eggs on wholemeal toast with a glass of reduced-fat milk